The old saying goes- new year, fresh start. Unfortunately, this was not the case when we moved into our new home in 1994.

On the surface it was unspoiled, having been recently built. We were the first to live inside its freshly painted walls and crisp, clean carpeted floors. My sister and I were over the moon that the outside was a dusty rose color siding. A little girl's dream to live in a pink house! The best part? No basement! It was a split entry style home, so the lower part was completely finished.

I can remember setting up my bedroom excitedly, asking my dad to help hang the kitten picture my mom had picked out with me and the heart shelf that would hold all of my prized possessions. I was so busy arranging how I wanted everything to be, not once...